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The Hunger Games


Packed with interesting and absolutely amazing cast of characters, thought-provoking plot and mind-blowing scenes, this is one of the almost-can’t-put-it-down books that I have read so far…
When the book was released, book enthusiasts were very excited. My friends were talking about it, and I was like wondering what the fuss to make this book big news. When my friend unselfishly shared her copy of the book, I became interested to discover the answers to my own questions. The rest was history.
I didn’t care about the controversial issues on the concept of the story; I just loved everything about this book. For me, The Hunger Games is heartbreaking, Machiavellian and inspiring all at once.  I was captivated at how Collins depicted the essence of a typical family whose members struggle to keep the bond that holds them together through the Everdeens. I admired Katniss’ love for her family that she was willing to sacrifice her life for her sister, and changed her mother’s outlook on life. It is poignant but very inspiring.
The pages allowed me to travel to this fictional nation of Panem and be engulfed in its brutality and ruthlessness. Honestly, I shed a tear when Primrose was singled out for the game. Such naïve girl, such innocence—a heart-wrenching scene that made me hate that part of the story. But the heroine was there to take her place, ready to embrace her fate and do everything to keep the things she loves most and can’t live without.
The game itself was amazing. I was gasping in between skirmishes. I was stunned in the breathtaking melee right from the opening of the contest. However, it was a distressing picture to see young lives ended to please the scheming Capitol. It was devastating that those they call “tributes” had to kill and be ready to die just because they were chosen to take the punishment for a rebellion they were not part of, and not because they chose to. I felt their families’ anguish, their suffering and their sorrow while watching their son and daughter slaughtered and died in the arena, and not a single, little move they could do to shun it—just like the tear-jerking scene of Rue’s death.
This story will walk you through the various images of life and human struggles—it is an amalgamation of conspiracy, friendship, survival, deception, decision-making, and the desire to win—and live. I marvel at how Katniss and Peeta stood strong, made use of their strengths and skills, and brought awe and satisfaction to their audience. Their alliance was powerful, influential and passionate—bringing the story to a surprising conclusion.
Though the pages of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games are stained with blood, despair and horrible realities, the story also contains wonderful life lessons worth emulating. For me, it inspires us to love and treasure our families more and relentlessly, cherish our friendships, hold on to our beautiful memories, believe in ourselves, trust God, and have faith that every ordeal has an end—and it ends with a prize.


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